URGENT UPDATE: Emma Stone’s new film, Bugonia, has officially broken box office records, setting the stage for a thrilling opening weekend. Released on October 31, 2025, the film is projected to earn $4.4 million at the domestic box office, marking the highest wide opening for acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos to date.
In this gripping black comedy, Stone portrays a character who is abducted by a conspiracy theorist convinced she is an alien. The film’s unexpected success comes as the box office struggles this year, indicating a potential turnaround as the holiday season approaches. Currently, Bugonia has amassed $5.5 million domestically, showcasing its strong performance despite a hefty production budget of $45 million, making it Lanthimos’ most expensive project.
Critics are raving about Bugonia, which boasts an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August, Stone is now a leading contender for Best Actress, especially after making headlines for shaving her head for the role. She reflected on this decision, stating, “I was so afraid to shave my head… I was like, play dead, basically, play dead.”
The film’s success could position Stone for Oscar history, as a win would grant her a third Best Actress award, a feat unmatched since Katharine Hepburn. Lanthimos and Stone have developed a powerful collaboration, with multiple films together earning Academy Award nominations and wins. The director has previously been nominated for Best Director with films like Poor Things and The Favourite, while Stone secured her second Oscar with Poor Things.
As Bugonia continues to gain momentum, it will need to sustain its box office appeal to offset production costs. The film’s unique premise and strong performances are drawing audiences, and with the holidays approaching, there is potential for further earnings.
What happens next? Box office analysts will be closely monitoring Bugonia as it navigates its first week in theaters. With critical acclaim and growing audience interest, the film could solidify its place in this year’s awards season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Bugonia and its impact on both box office performance and the upcoming Oscars. This is a story that is just beginning to unfold, and the stakes are higher than ever for Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos.
